Plumbing freeze protection system

ABSTRACT

A plumbing freeze protection system comprises a fluid connection between a water supply line and a waste line. The fluid connection bypasses a plumbing fixture fluidly connected to the water supply line. A valve operable with the fluid connection alternately prevents water flow from the water supply line to the waste line, and allows water flow from the water supply line to the waste line within about 25 percent of maximum volumetric flow rate of the water supply line through the fluid connection. A timer is adapted to control the valve. The valve is open for a predetermined time period to deliver a short duration, high volumetric flow rate of water to the waste line to minimize ice formation in, and remove existing ice from, the water supply and waste lines.

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/539,998, filed Jul. 2, 2012, the entirety of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Many people own or have access to vacation properties that are only usedfor part of the year. These properties can be vulnerable toplumbing-related problems due to the periods of non-use. For example,trap seals in drains can dry out, allowing odors to be released into theliving spaces of the properties. In addition, elastomer seals can dryout from non-use and rupture, necessitating expensive and inconvenientrepairs. Also, these properties are often located in areas thatexperience freezing temperatures when the owners are not there, whichcan cause pipes or other plumbing related items, such as ejection pumps,to freeze. Again, this can necessitate expensive and inconvenientrepairs. Traditionally, owners of such properties have resorted tohiring people to visit the properties and flush toilets, run faucets,etc. in order to maintain water seals in the traps and exerciseelastomer seals. However, this is ineffective at preventing freezing ofpipes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a plumbing freeze protectionsystem in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a plumbing freeze protectionsystem in accordance with a further example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a plumbing freeze protectionsystem in accordance with still a further example of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a plumbing freeze protectiondevice in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a plumbing freeze protectionsystem in accordance with another example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a plumbing freeze protectionsystem in accordance with yet another example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a bracket to support a fluid lineof a plumbing freeze protection system in accordance with an example ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a plumbing freeze protectionsystem in accordance with still another example of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a plumbing maintenance system inaccordance with an example of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to certain examples, and specific languagewill be used herein to describe the same. Examples discussed herein setforth a plumbing freeze protection system that minimizes ice formationand removes existing ice from supply and waste lines. In particularexamples, the plumbing freeze protection system can include featuresthat maintain water seals in traps.

Specifically, a plumbing freeze protection system can comprise a fluidconnection between a water supply line and a waste line, wherein thefluid connection bypasses a plumbing fixture fluidly connected to thewater supply line. The plumbing freeze protection system can alsocomprise a valve operable with the fluid connection to alternatelyprevent water flow from the water supply line to the waste line, andallow water flow from the water supply line to the waste line withinabout 25 percent of maximum volumetric flow rate of the water supplyline through the fluid connection. Additionally, the plumbing freezeprotection system can comprise a timer adapted to control the valve,wherein the valve is open for a predetermined time period to deliver ashort duration, high volumetric flow rate of water to the waste line tominimize ice formation in, and remove existing ice from, the watersupply and waste lines.

In another example, a plumbing freeze protection system can comprise afluid connection between a water supply line and a waste line. Theplumbing freeze protection system can also comprise a valve disposed atan outlet end of a faucet and operable with the fluid connection toalternately prevent water flow from the water supply line to the wasteline, and allow water flow from the water supply line to the waste linewithin about 25 percent of maximum volumetric flow rate of the watersupply line through the fluid connection. Additionally, the plumbingfreeze protection system can comprise a timer adapted to control thevalve, wherein the valve is open for a predetermined time period todeliver a short duration, high volumetric flow rate of water to thewaste line to minimize ice formation in, and remove existing ice from,the water supply and waste lines.

In yet another example, a plumbing freeze protection system can comprisea fluid connection between a water supply line and a waste line via atank overflow tube for a toilet. The plumbing freeze protection systemcan also comprise a valve operable with the fluid connection toalternately prevent water flow from the water supply line to the wasteline, and allow water flow from the water supply line to the waste linewithin about 25 percent of maximum volumetric flow rate of the watersupply line through the fluid connection. Additionally, the plumbingfreeze protection system can comprise a timer adapted to control thevalve, wherein the valve is open for a predetermined time period todeliver a short duration, high volumetric flow rate of water to thewaste line to minimize ice formation in, and remove existing ice from,the water supply and waste lines, and to maintain a water seal in a trapassociated with the toilet.

In still another example, a plumbing freeze protection system cancomprise a fluid connection between a water supply line and a wasteline. The plumbing freeze protection system can also comprise anejection pump fluidly coupled to the waste line below ground level, theejection pump being operable to pump waste matter up to a sewer line.Furthermore, the plumbing freeze protection system can comprise a valveoperable with the fluid connection to alternately prevent water flowfrom the water supply line to the waste line, and allow water flow fromthe water supply line to the waste line within about 25 percent ofmaximum volumetric flow rate of the water supply line through the fluidconnection. Additionally, the plumbing freeze protection system cancomprise a timer adapted to control the valve, wherein the valve is openfor a predetermined time period to deliver a short duration, highvolumetric flow rate of water to the waste line to minimize iceformation in, and remove existing ice from, the water supply line, thewaste line, and the ejection pump.

Furthermore, a plumbing maintenance system in accordance with theprinciples herein can comprise a plurality of fluid connections betweena water supply line and a plurality of waste lines, each waste linehaving a trap seal. The plumbing maintenance system can also comprise avalve operable with the plurality of fluid connections to alternatelyprevent water flow from the water supply line to the plurality of wastelines, and allow water flow from the water supply line to the pluralityof waste lines. Additionally, the plumbing maintenance system cancomprise a timer adapted to control the valve, wherein the valve is openfor a predetermined time period to deliver water for a short duration tothe plurality of waste lines to maintain water in the trap seals.

With these general examples set forth above, it is noted in the presentdisclosure that when describing the plumbing freeze protection systemdescribed herein, or their related methods, each of these descriptionsare considered applicable to the other, whether or not they areexplicitly discussed in the context of that embodiment. For example, indiscussing the plumbing freeze protection system per se, the methodembodiments are also included in such discussions, and vice versa.

Furthermore, various modifications and combinations can be derived fromthe present disclosure and illustrations, and as such, the followingfigures should not be considered limiting. It is noted that referencenumerals in various FIGS. will be shown in some cases that are notspecifically discussed in that particular figure. Thus, discussion ofany specific reference numeral in a given figure is applicable to thesame reference numeral of related figures shown herein.

Illustrated in FIG. 1 is a plumbing freeze protection system 100. Thesystem can include a fluid connection 102 between a water supply line110 and a waste line 120. A water supply line can include a main line oran individual distribution line. For example, a water supply line caninclude a main water line in a residential building or a cold and/or hotwater supply line. A waste line can include a drain or a sewer line. Forexample, a waste line can include a drain line for an individualappliance, such as a toilet, or a waste line can include a main sewageline for a residence.

In one aspect, the fluid connection 102 between the water supply line110 and the waste line 120 can simply be set up via a preexisting supplyand drain relationship, such as a supply line providing water to a sink,which is then emptied into a drain for the sink. In another aspect, thefluid connection can be via a separate pipe or line that bypasses orshort circuits a preexisting fluid connection. For example, a watersupply line can be configured to divert water “upstream” of a faucet, toa drain line for a sink that receives water from the faucet. In thisway, the fluid connection can bypass the faucet and/or sink and deliverwater beneath the drain, which can provide for normal use of theplumbing fixture. Thus, in many instances, this fluid connection orbypass system can be hidden from view beneath a cabinet or elsewhere,thought this is not required. Any suitable device or method can be usedto effectuate the fluid connection. In one embodiment, a three-wayconnector can be fitted to the water supply line and/or the waste lineto facilitate the fluid connection between the lines. In anotherembodiment, a self-piercing saddle can be used to tap into the watersupply line and/or the waste line to facilitate the fluid connectionbetween the lines. These and other aspects of the fluid connection arediscussed in more detail hereinafter.

The plumbing freeze protection system 100 can also include a valve 130operable with the fluid connection 102 to alternately prevent and allowwater flow from the water supply line 110 to the waste line 120. Inoperation, the valve can be open for a predetermined time period todeliver a short duration, high volumetric flow rate of water from thesupply line to the waste line. The short duration, high volume of watercan minimize ice formation in the water supply line and the waste line,as well as remove existing ice from the lines. In one aspect, the valvecan allow water flow from the water supply line to the waste line withinabout 25 percent of maximum volumetric flow rate of the water supplyline through the fluid connection. In another example, the valve canallow water flow from the water supply line to the waste line withinabout 10 percent of the maximum volumetric flow rate, or even allowsubstantially the entire volumetric flow rate of the water supply, beingonly limited by what is practically possible with the valve selected foruse.

Thus, in describing this and other embodiments herein, when the valve isopen, the valve can be configured to be minimally restrictive of waterflow to take advantage of the available water supply volumetric flowrate potential in order to minimize or eliminate ice in the supply andwaste lines. Stated another way, the present disclosure describessystems wherein relatively short bursts (e.g., a few seconds to a fewminutes) of relatively high volumes of water are used in a total losssystem to control ice, rather than the movement of water through aclosed circuit supply systems. Thus, the present disclosure describeshigh volume, total loss plumbing systems where short bursts of largevolumes of water are used to protect both the supply lines as well asthe waste lines of a plumbing system.

Returning to FIG. 1, to control the valve 130, the plumbing freezeprotection system 100 can include a timer 140. The timer can beprogrammed to allow a short duration, high volumetric flow rate of waterat any given interval. An interval can be a uniform, a non-uniform, or arandomly selected interval. In one aspect, the interval can bepredetermined to provide the water flow prior to ice formation. Inanother aspect, some ice formation may be permissible, as long as atleast a portion of the formed ice can be removed from the line when thewater flows. It is contemplated that the flow of water can be sufficientto “blast” or otherwise remove a certain amount of ice from the line,unlike a “drip” water flow in which water flows at a low or a minimalflow rate in an attempt to prevent the line from freezing. The dripapproach can lead to ice build-up about the inner wall of the line,which can eventually accumulate such that the line is effectivelyblocked or, worse, ruptured by the ice. As previously mentioned, thetimer controls the valve such that the valve is open for a predeterminedtime period to deliver a short duration, high volumetric flow rate ofwater from the supply line to the waste line. The timer can beprogrammed to vary the duration of the water flow for each interval. Theduration period can be uniform or non-uniform across water flowintervals. In one aspect, the duration period can be randomly selected.

The timer 140 can control the valve via a valve actuator 142. The valveactuator can be any device operable to open and/or close the valve, suchas a mechanical device, an electrical device, an electromechanicaldevice, or any other suitable device. In one embodiment, the valveactuator comprises a solenoid actuatable by a command signal from thetimer to open and/or close the valve.

It is also contemplated that the valve can be controlled by atemperature sensor 144, such as a thermocouple or thermometer. In oneaspect, the temperature sensor indirectly controls the valve bycontrolling the timer 140. For example, the temperature sensor canactivate the timer when a temperature at a given location, such as inthe vicinity of the supply and/or waste lines, falls below apredetermined value, such as 40 degrees F. This can cause the timer tocontrol the valve to deliver water flow at a given interval as long asthe temperature does not exceed the predetermined value. On the otherhand, the temperature sensor can deactivate the timer when a temperatureat a given location exceeds a predetermined value, such as 40 degrees F.This can prevent the timer from controlling the valve to deliver waterflow at a given interval as long as the temperature does not fall belowthe predetermined value. Thus, the combination of the timer and thetemperature sensor can operate to prevent line freezing when suchprotection is needed without wasting water when freeze protection is notneeded. In one aspect, the timer, the valve actuator, the valve, and/ortemperature sensor can be components of a freeze protection device 101,discussed in further detail hereinafter.

The system can be termed an “open” system, in that the water deliveredfrom the supply line to the waste line is lost and not recovered orrecycled for further use in the system. The system can also maintainboth the supply line and the waste line, which can be indoor and/oroutdoor lines, substantially free from ice.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the fluid connection 102 bypassesa plumbing fixture 150 fluidly connected to the water supply line 110.The plumbing fixture can include any type of plumbing fixture, such as afaucet, a washing machine, a toilet, a sink, a tub, a dishwasher, arefrigerator, an ice maker, a water heater, a water softener, a radiantheater, a water tank, a drinking fountain, a shower, a bidet, a urinal,etc.

Referring to FIG. 2, illustrated is another embodiment of a plumbingfreeze protection system 200. This embodiment is similar in manyrespects to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, and, as with otherfigures, uses similar reference numbers to indicate similar features.This embodiment illustrates the water supply line 210 fluidly connectedto the waste line 220 via a trap seal 260, such as a P-trap, J-trap,S-trap, or other such water trap. In this configuration, the normaloperation of the valve 230 as controlled by the timer 240 and actuatedby the valve actuator 242, provides the additional benefit ofmaintaining water in the traps to maintain a seal, which may be lost dueto evaporation over time.

In one aspect, in addition to bypassing a plumbing fixture 250, thefluid connection 202 can also bypass (indicated at 202 a) a drain 252for the plumbing fixture 250 fluidly connected to the waste line 220.For example, the water supply line can be tapped to form the fluidconnection with the waste line upstream of a connection with a faucet250, which is configured to deliver water to a sink or bathtub having adrain 252. The fluid connection can be downstream of the drain, suchthat water from the drain flows into the fluid connection between thesupply and waste lines. The fluid connection, valve, valve actuator, andtimer can all be located discretely below the sink, such as in a cabinetor other fixture.

In another aspect, the fluid connection 202 can bypass the plumbingfixture 250, but not the drain 252 (indicated at 202 b) for the plumbingfixture 250. As with the previous example, the water supply line can betapped to form the fluid connection 202 with the waste line upstream ofa connection with the faucet 250. In this case, however, the fluidconnection can also be upstream of the drain for the sink or bathtub,such that water in the fluid connection flows into the drain. In otherwords, the water supply line and the waste line are fluidly connectedvia the sink or bathtub and the drain. A hose or similar conduit can beused to deliver water exiting the valve 230 to the sink drain. Thisallows the waste line to be in fluid communication with the supply line,while bypassing the faucet, without tapping into, or otherwisestructurally coupling to a waste line pipe.

In another example, an end of a hose forming the fluid connection 202can be coupled to the supply line 210 for a washing machine 250 with athree-way connector. An opposite end of the hose can be directed intothe drain 252 for the washing machine. The valve 230 operable to controlwater flow through the hose can be controlled by the timer 240 via thesolenoid 242. Thus, the washing machine can be bypassed by the hose toallow water to flow through the supply line and the waste line toprevent or minimize ice build-up in the lines. This configuration can bereadily retrofitted to an existing washing machine plumbing arrangement.

FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a plumbing freeze protectionsystem 300. As with the previously discussed embodiments, the systemincludes a fluid connection 302 between a water supply line 310 and awaste line 320 with flow that is regulated by a valve 330 controlled bya timer 340 via a valve actuator 342. This embodiment also illustrates amixing valve 370 in the fluid connection between the water supply lineand the waste line. Specifically, the mixing valve can be fluidlyconnected to a cold water line 310 a and a hot water line 310 b suchthat flow through the mixing valve allows for flow through both the coldand hot water lines. Providing for flow through both the cold and hotwater lines can minimize ice formation and remove existing ice from thecold and hot water lines, in addition to the similar benefits to thewaste line discussed herein. In addition, because of the flow throughthe hot water line, a water heater in fluid communication with the hotwater line can be protected from ice, as well. In one aspect, the mixingvalve operates automatically as water flows through the fluid connectionas regulated by the valve 330. Typically, the mixing valve can bemechanical in nature, but any suitable mixing valve or device forfacilitating water flow from the hot and cold water lines during theperiod of water flow through the fluid connection can be used.

With reference to FIG. 4, illustrated is a plumbing freeze protectiondevice 401. As mentioned above, the device can include a valve 430operable with a fluid connection to alternately prevent and allow waterflow from a water supply line to a waste line. The valve can becontrolled by a timer 440 via a valve actuator 442. Additionally, atemperature sensor 444 can indirectly control operation of the valve byactivating or deactivating the timer based on a given temperature.

The device can also include a housing 441 to support and protect one ormore of the various components of the device. In one aspect, the housingcan include an inlet port 432 to receive water from the water supply andan outlet port 434 to discharge water to the waste line. The inlet andoutlet ports can therefore facilitate coupling of the valve to the fluidconnection. The device can also include a manual valve control 446, suchas a handle, knob, or lever, to facilitate control of the valve by auser. This can allow the user to operate the valve independent of thetimer and/or the valve actuator. Additionally, electrically poweredcomponents, such as the timer 440 or a solenoid valve actuator 442, canreceive direct current (D/C) power 447 a (i.e., via a battery) and/oralternating current (A/C) power 447 b (i.e., via a power cord). Anaudible and/or visual alert can be provided to make the user aware of alow battery.

In one aspect, the timer 440 and/or the temperature sensor 444 can beprogrammed by a user. A user interface 443 can be included to facilitateprogramming. The user interface can have a display 445 a and/or a keypad445 b. This can allow the user to set the water flow time interval, thewater flow duration period, the date and/or time of day that the timershould be actively controlling the valve, the temperature at which thetimer should be actively controlling the valve, or any other desirableparameter or control aspect. The timer and/or temperature sensor caninclude default settings that can be automatically applied in the eventof a programming, memory, or power failure. It should be recognized thata timer and/or a temperature sensor can include a user interfaceindependent of one another as well as in embodiments that do not includea device 401.

Additionally, a data port 448 a and/or a wireless communication terminal448 b can be utilized to facilitate programming of the timer and/ortemperature sensor. In one aspect, the data port can interface with anyform of memory storage device, such as the various USB standardinterfaces or any memory card standard interface format. In anotheraspect, the data port can facilitate a connection to a computer networkto provide remote and/or local programming access to the device. In yetanother aspect, software can be provided to allow the user to setprogramming or control parameters on a remote computer, such as a PC ora smart phone, and transfer the data to the timer and/or temperaturesensor via the data port or the wireless communication terminal. Thedata port and/or wireless communication terminal can also be used tocommunicate information pertaining to the system to a user, such ascurrent temperature, battery level, alerts, etc. It should be recognizedthat a timer and/or a temperature sensor can include a data port and/ora wireless communication terminal independent of one another as well asin embodiments that do not include a device 401.

Referring to FIG. 5, an embodiment of a plumbing freeze protectionsystem 500 is illustrated. As with previously discussed embodiments, thesystem includes a fluid connection 502 between a water supply line 510and a waste line 520 with flow that is regulated by a valve 530controlled by a timer 540 via a valve actuator 542. In this embodiment,the timer, valve actuator, and the valve can all be included in aplumbing freeze protection device 501, as discussed hereinabove. Thedevice can couple to or be disposed at an outlet end of a faucet 550.For example, the device can couple via threads to an end of the faucetin place of an aerator of the faucet. Accordingly, the device can alsoinclude an aerator 549 to replace the original faucet aerator. Thus, thefluid connection can be by way of the faucet and an associated sink ortub. The device 501 can also include a manual valve control 546 operableto allow a user to control water flow through the faucet independent ofthe timer 540.

In use, the normal faucet controls can be set to allow a maximum flow ofwater through the faucet. In this configuration, the valve 530 canregulate the flow of water from the faucet. Thus, the device 501 can beconfigured to automatically deliver water for a predetermined timeperiod as controlled by the timer 540 and disclosed herein. With themanual valve control 546, the user can operate the faucet to deliverwater in between water flow intervals or, if desired, the user can closethe valve during a period of water flow. Thus, the manual valve controlcan allow use of the faucet even with the device in place andfunctioning normally. In another aspect, the valve can be configured toopen when the timer is turned off or inactivate. Thus, with the deviceinstalled on the faucet, deactivating the timer can cause the valve toopen, which can allow normal use of the faucet.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a plumbing freeze protectionsystem 600. In this embodiment, a fluid connection 602 between a watersupply line 610 and a waste line 620 can be by way of a tank 654 for atoilet, for example, by delivering water to the tank. In one aspect, aflush valve in the tank can be open, such that water flows out of thetank via the flush valve. In another aspect, the fluid connectionbetween the water supply line and the waste line can be by way of atoilet tank overflow tube 656 for the toilet. For example, the supplyline can deliver water to the tank in order to fill up the tank untilwater overflows into the tank overflow tube. In another example, thesupply line can deliver water directly into the tank overflow tube. Asdisclosed herein, a valve 630 can be operable with the fluid connectionto alternately prevent and allow water flow from the water supply lineto the waste line, as controlled by a timer 640 via a valve actuator642. This configuration can facilitate water flow into a trap seal 660associated with the toilet and into the waste line 620. Thus, a shortduration, high volumetric flow rate of water to the waste line canminimize ice formation and remove existing ice from the water supply andwaste lines, as well as maintain a water seal in the trap.

FIG. 7 illustrates a bracket 780 that can be used with the embodiment ofFIG. 6 to mount various components of the system. For example, thebracket can be configured to support a fluid line 704 of a fluidconnection about a top of a toilet tank and direct an end 705 the fluidline such that water flows from the fluid line directly into a toilettank or into a tank overflow tube. The bracket can include a clip 782 tosupport the bracket from a top edge of the toilet tank. The clip caninclude a tab 783 spaced at a distance 707 from a back surface 784 ofthe bracket to form a channel 785 to receive a top edge of the toilettank. This can allow the bracket to hang from, and be supported by, thetop of the toilet tank. The clip can also be configured to allow thefluid line to pass under a lid for the toilet tank without beingcompressed or deformed. For example, a base 786 of the channel operableto contact the top edge of the toilet tank can be spaced at a distance706 from a top surface 787 of the clip. This distance can be sufficientto allow the fluid line to pass through an opening 788 in the top of theclip. The top surface of the clip can therefore support the lid withoutthe fluid line being compressed or deformed. A timer 740, valve actuator742, and valve 730 can all be included in a housing 741 of a plumbingfreeze protection device 701. The device can be coupled to, andsupported by, the clip.

With reference to FIG. 8, illustrated is an embodiment of a plumbingfreeze protection system 800. As with previously discussed embodiments,the system can include a fluid connection 802 between a water supplyline 810 and a waste line 820 with flow that is regulated by a valve 830controlled by a timer 840 via a valve actuator 842. The timer, valveactuator, and valve can be disposed in a building 895. In thisembodiment, the waste line is fluidly coupled to a sewer line 891 via anejection pump 890. The ejection pump can be located below a ground level892. In this situation, a downward slope out of the building to thesewer line cannot be created. In this case, the ejection pump can beused to pump waste up to the sewer line. A grinder 893 can be associatedwith the ejection pump to grind solid waste matter prior to pumping. Insome embodiments, the ejection pump can be located outside of thebuilding containing the fluid connection 802. Ejection pumps are oftenventilated with ambient above ground atmosphere by a vent 894. A commoncause of failure for ejection pumps is freezing of the waste in or nearthe ejection pump and/or the grinder by cold air from the vent. Thus,when the valve is open for a predetermined time period, the shortduration, high volumetric flow rate of water delivered to the waste linecan minimize ice formation and remove existing ice from the ejectionpump and/or the grinder, as well as the water supply and waste lines.

The ejection pump 890 can be configured to automatically pump when acertain waste level is reached. Thus, providing water to the pump canalso cause the pump to operate, which can be beneficial for the pump asit prevents stagnation and exercises and lubricates the seals and otherparts that can crack or weaken from non-use. In some embodiments, anejection pump can be located inside of a building, which can protect theejection pump, as well as an incoming waste line and an outlet pressureline, from cold outside temperatures. In this case, protection from iceformation may be of secondary importance compared to benefits derivedfrom operating the pump, and exercising and lubricating the seals.

Illustrated in FIG. 9 is an embodiment of a plumbing maintenance system900. The system can include a valve 930 controlled by a timer 940 via avalve actuator 942, as disclosed herein. In this embodiment, a pluralityof fluid connections 902 a-d exist between a water supply line 910 and aplurality of waste lines 920 a-d, respectively. Each waste line can befluidly connected with a trap seal 960 a-d. The valve can be operable toalternately prevent and allow water flow from the water supply line tothe plurality of waste lines. The timer can control the valve such thatthe valve is open for a predetermined time period to deliver water for ashort duration to the plurality of waste lines in order to maintainwater in the trap seals. This can be useful to maintain every trap sealin a building from one central valve. In one aspect, a manifold 908 canform, at least in part, the plurality of fluid connections between thewater supply line and the plurality of waste lines. Thus, the manifoldcan comprise a structure that includes an inlet to receive water fromthe supply line and outlets to deliver water to the plurality of wastelines.

Of course, in one aspect, the valve 930 can be operable to allow waterflow from the water supply line 910 to the plurality of waste lines 920a-d within about 25 percent of maximum volumetric flow rate of the watersupply line through the plurality of fluid connections 902 a-d. Deliveryof a high volumetric flow rate of water during the open valve timeperiod can minimize ice formation and remove existing ice from the watersupply line, the trap seals 960 a-d, and the plurality of waste lines.Thus, the timer can be programmed to deliver water flow merelysufficient to maintain the trap seals, or enough to maintain the supplyand waste lines free of ice.

While the foregoing examples are illustrative of the principles andconcepts discussed herein, it will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and detailsof implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty,and without departing from those principles and concepts. Accordingly,it is not intended that the principles and concepts be limited, exceptas by the claims set forth below.

What is claimed is:
 1. A plumbing freeze protection system, comprising:a fluid connection between a water supply line and a waste line, whereinthe fluid connection bypasses a plumbing fixture fluidly connected tothe water supply line; a valve operable with the fluid connection toalternately prevent water flow from the water supply line to the wasteline, and allow water flow from the water supply line to the waste linewithin about 25 percent of maximum volumetric flow rate of the watersupply line through the fluid connection; and a timer adapted to controlthe valve, wherein the valve is open for a predetermined time period todeliver a short duration, high volumetric flow rate of water to thewaste line to minimize ice formation in, and remove existing ice from,the water supply and waste lines.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein thewater supply line includes a cold water line and a hot water line, andfurther comprising a mixing valve at the fluid connection between thewater supply line and the waste line, the mixing valve fluidlyconnecting the cold water line and the hot water line, such that flowthrough the mixing valve allows for flow through the cold and hot waterlines to minimize ice formation in, and remove existing ice from, thecold and hot water lines.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the fluidconnection bypasses a drain for the plumbing fixture fluidly connectedto the waste line.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the plumbingfixture comprises a faucet, the water supply and waste lines are fluidlyconnected via a sink or a bathtub, and the delivery of water maintains awater seal in a trap associated with the sink or bathtub.
 5. The systemof claim 1, wherein the plumbing fixture comprises a washing machine. 6.The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the water supply line andthe waste line are fluidly connected via a three-way connector toprovide for normal use of the plumbing fixture.
 7. The system of claim1, wherein the valve is actuated by a solenoid and the solenoid receivesa command signal from the timer.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein thetimer includes a user interface to facilitate programming of the timer.9. The system of claim 1, wherein the timer includes a display.
 10. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the timer is powered by at least one ofalternating current and direct current.
 11. The system of claim 1,wherein the timer and the valve are disposed in a housing.
 12. Thesystem of claim 11, wherein the housing includes an inlet port toreceive water from the water supply and an outlet port to dischargewater to the waste line.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the timer iscontrollable remotely via computer network.
 14. The system of claim 1,further comprising a thermocouple or a thermometer associated with thetimer which provides at least partial control of the timer.
 15. Aplumbing freeze protection system, comprising: a fluid connectionbetween a water supply line and a waste line; a valve disposed at anoutlet end of a faucet and operable with the fluid connection toalternately prevent water flow from the water supply line to the wasteline, and allow water flow from the water supply line to the waste linewithin about 25 percent of maximum volumetric flow rate of the watersupply line through the fluid connection; and a timer adapted to controlthe valve, wherein the valve is open for a predetermined time period todeliver a short duration, high volumetric flow rate of water to thewaste line to minimize ice formation in, and remove existing ice from,the water supply and waste lines.
 16. The system of claim 15, whereinthe valve is manually operable to control water flow.
 17. The system ofclaim 15, wherein the valve is open when the timer is inactive to allownormal use of the faucet.
 18. The system of claim 15, wherein the timeris controllable remotely via computer network.
 19. The system of claim15, further comprising a thermocouple or a thermometer associated withthe timer which provides at least partial control of the timer.
 20. Aplumbing freeze protection system, comprising: a fluid connectionbetween a water supply line and a waste line via a tank for a toilet; avalve operable with the fluid connection to alternately prevent waterflow from the water supply line to the waste line, and allow water flowfrom the water supply line to the waste line within about 25 percent ofmaximum volumetric flow rate of the water supply line through the fluidconnection; and a timer adapted to control the valve, wherein the valveis open for a predetermined time period to deliver a short duration,high volumetric flow rate of water to the waste line to minimize iceformation in, and remove existing ice from, the water supply and wastelines, and to maintain a water seal in a trap associated with thetoilet.
 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the fluid connection betweenthe water supply line and the waste line is via an overflow tube for thetoilet tank.
 22. The system of claim 20, further comprising a bracket tosupport a fluid line of the fluid connection about a top of the toilettank and direct the fluid line such that water flows from the fluid lineinto the overflow tube.
 23. The system of claim 20, wherein the timer iscontrollable remotely via computer network.
 24. The system of claim 20,further comprising a thermocouple or a thermometer associated with thetimer which provides at least partial control of the timer.
 25. Aplumbing freeze protection system, comprising: a fluid connectionbetween a water supply line and a waste line; an ejection pump fluidlycoupled to the waste line below ground level, the ejection pump beingoperable to pump waste matter up to a sewer line; a valve operable withthe fluid connection to alternately prevent water flow from the watersupply line to the waste line, and allow water flow from the watersupply line to the waste line within about 25 percent of maximumvolumetric flow rate of the water supply line through the fluidconnection; and a timer adapted to control the valve, wherein the valveis open for a predetermined time period to deliver a short duration,high volumetric flow rate of water to the waste line to minimize iceformation in, and remove existing ice from, the water supply line, thewaste line, and the ejection pump.
 26. The system of claim 25, furthercomprising a grinder associated with the ejection pump to grind solidwaste matter prior to pumping.
 27. The system of claim 25, wherein theejection pump is ventilated via ambient atmosphere above the groundlevel.
 28. The system of claim 25, wherein the ejection pump is locatedoutside of a building containing the fluid connection.
 29. The system ofclaim 25, wherein the timer is controllable remotely via computernetwork.
 30. The system of claim 25, further comprising a thermocoupleor a thermometer associated with the timer which provides at leastpartial control of the timer.